The government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched an ambitious initiative to provide free food grains to approximately 81.35 crore beneficiaries for five years. The decision, announced by the Cabinet, establishes the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) as one of the largest social welfare schemes in the world, aimed at ensuring food and nutritional security to a staggering population at an affordable cost. To do. The decision, starting from January 1, 2024, underlines the Prime Minister's commitment to efficient and targeted welfare, addressing the basic food and nutrition needs of the population during the “Amrit Kaal” or transitional era. This will cost Rs 11.80 lakh crore.
This initiative, an integral part of building an aspirational and developed India, will provide free rice, wheat and coarse grains/millets to the weaker and economically challenged sections of the society. The effort seeks to strengthen food security and reduce financial hardships, contributing to the well-being of poor and vulnerable sections of the population. This initiative will ensure nationwide uniformity in the delivery of free food grains through a network of fair price shops, all of which will operate under a common logo.
Additionally, the initiative supports ease of living by allowing beneficiaries under the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) initiative to avail free food grains from any fair price shop in the country. Part of the Digital India initiative, this technology-driven reform facilitates both inter-state portability of rights, benefitting migrants and ensuring uniform implementation of portability across the country.